Capitol Marks PWD Month, Sets Series of Activities
Over 400 persons with disabilities (PWDs) gathered at the Capitol Social Hall yesterday, July 3, for the kickoff activity of this year’s PWD Month celebration.
The Cebu Provincial Government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), has a line-up of activities that will help promote the welfare of PWDs, including a series of medical missions, a forum on PWD rights mandated under Republic Act 10524, and a PWD summit.
Authored by former Provincial Board member Arleigh Sitoy, the Provincial Ordinance 2011-2 declares July as a PWD Month in Cebu. The day started off with a march from Fuente Osmeña Circle back to the Capitol Grounds.
In an interview, twin brothers Christian and Christopher Faelnar, 22, who are members of the Mandaue City Blind Association (MCBA), said that they are grateful for the opportunity given by the Capitol to be among the beneficiaries of the Paglaum scholars, one of the scholarship programs of the Cebu Provincial Government, through the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC).
As fresh degree holders of Bachelor of Arts in English Major in Languages from Cebu Normal University, the twin brothers are currently enjoying life through music and are seeking for job opportunities online.
In her speech, Acting Gov. Agnes A. Magpale announced that this year’s Paglaum scholarship program has accepted 10 PWD applicants.
“Timailhan kana nga walay sidsid ang kalambuan—whether you are a PWD, a member of a structured family, a victim of violence. Kung naa sa imong kasingkasing to succeed in life, your government will be behind you,” assured Magpale.
The acting governor said she is hopeful that gatherings like this would further inspire the participants and allow them to air out their concerns that can then be addressed by the Provincial Government.
With the theme, “Katakus og kasinatian alang sa panginabuhian ngadto sa kalambuan,” the PSWDO has set a series of medical missions in each congressional district specifically in the towns of Ronda, Consolacion, Carmen, San Remigio, Barili, Argao and the City of Talisay.
“Hinaot pa unta nga kaning gibuhat sa inyong Provincial Government will further inspire you, so that we will have bigger and more gatherings like this diin gawas sa inyong talent mapalutaw usab unsa pa inyong gikinahanglan,” said Magpale.
Apart from Magpale, Provincial Board Member Yolanda Daan, chairperson on committee of PWDs, PSWDO head Marivic Garces, and PWC head Heddah Largo also graced the event.
